ECB welcome Lehmann fine

Darren Lehmann, pictured, was fined 20 per cent of his match fee for his comments about Stuart Broad

The England and Wales Cricket Board has welcomed the decision to fine Australia coach Darren Lehmann for his comments about Stuart Broad, which they described as "incitement".

Lehmann gave a radio interview prior to the fifth Investec Ashes Test during which he accused the England seamer of "blatant cheating" for his refusal to walk in the opening match and invited the Australian public to "get stuck into him" in the return series this winter.

That latter phrase appears to have caused disquiet at the ECB, though they did not report Lehmann to the International Cricket Council.

Instead, ICC chief executive Dave Richardson laid a disciplinary charge of his own which resulted in the former batsman being fined 20 per cent of his match fee - or around £2000.

The ECB supported that decision and reiterated their intention to keep security tight during their winter tour.

A statement read: "The England and Wales Cricket Board, having reviewed the disciplinary process undertaken by the International Cricket Council overnight, have welcomed the swift action taken and also noted Cricket Australia's acceptance of the sanctions handed down to their team coach Darren Lehmann.

"The ECB, in supporting its players, management support staff and their families, believe no-one in the game condones incitement of any kind and we will take all necessary steps to ensure safety on tour.

"The ECB now wishes to bring this disappointing incident to a close and will make no further comment."